Mylan School of Pharmacy

Bone Loss Study Seeks Female Volunteers

March 5th, 2014

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A Duquesne University research team is seeking participants for a human clinical trial to examine whether a formulation of melatonin, strontium citrate and vitamins D3 and K2 can treat bone loss in women with a thinning-bone condition known as osteopenia.

Paula Witt-Enderby, a Duquesne professor of pharmacology, and Mark Swanson, a naturopathic physician, are seeking 20 female postmenopausal volunteers who've been diagnosed with osteopenia-related bone loss and who are considering treatment to increase bone density.

Each study participant will be asked to keep a diary and complete seven visits.

Ms. Witt-Enderby conducted a human clinical trial three years ago that revealed that melatonin -- a natural molecule released nightly in the body and by a popular over-the-counter sleep aid -- helped to prevent bone loss in healthy women entering menopause.

Strontium also has been shown to promote healthful effects in most organs and tissues of the body, including bone. The team hypothesizes that strontium and melatonin will have a synergistic effect in bone greater than strontium alone and at a lower dose. Mr. Swanson said strontium's impact on bone formation is much more powerful than calcium.

Women interested in participating should send an email to marias@duq.edu.